LOCAL NEWS

‘Do-Good-today’ group helps Ogden area’s unsheltered get fresh start

Feb 9, 2022, 11:00 PM | Updated: Jun 13, 2022, 4:15 pm

NORTH OGDEN, Utah — A North Ogden family is giving those who are experiencing homelessness and trying to get on their feet a huge helping hand in starting fresh.

The family is taking on the one thing that’s hard to do when someone gets into housing, and they’re doing it with the help of hundreds of people around the Ogden area.

At Gary Attebery’s house in North Ogden, it looks like spring cleaning is in full force. Boxes of clothing and household items fill his garage, and it spills into the driveway.

On Wednesday evening, Gary, his daughter Mindy and two grandsons moved the boxes around.

“All that stuff right there. It’s all going,” he said, pointing to a group of boxes sitting in the front yard.

All the stuff he’s getting rid of, Gary just received.

“Everything you see there, plus some, was picked up yesterday,” he explained.

Picked up from dozens of people around North Ogden and Ogden, who Attebery doesn’t even know.

“The people just come out of the woodwork to help us,” he said. “They’re so excited to help us.”

The items, which range from children’s toys to kitchen staples, are for people Attebery just recently met.

“All the people that are getting this stuff have been unsheltered,” he said. It’s all going to people who were experiencing homelessness, but just recently got into housing.

Gary, his daughters, and grandsons don’t run any official organization, but rather a movement called Do-Good-today.

Attebery and his daughters will find people who need help as they transition into housing. Using social media, he’ll make posts listing exact items he needs for each apartment.

In the last couple weeks, Gary’s posts began to blow up — leading to hundreds of phone calls and texts from people who had furniture or other items they wanted to donate.

Two people have been able to move into apartments fully furnished in the past week, Attebery indicated, and a third one is expected to get the keys to their furnished apartment soon.

On Wednesday, Gary’s grandsons did most of the heavy lifting to move a futon, décor and boxes into a studio apartment in Ogden Natashia Celius had moved into the day before.

Tasha described how she has been homeless for months ever since moving to Utah from Louisiana. She’s been staying at the Lantern House.

Even after getting approval for housing and putting down a deposit for rent, she didn’t have enough funds for a bed, table, or items like dishes.

“I was literally on the floor, hard floor, cold floor and I just thank god for whatever they were able to do in this short period of time,” she said, of Do-Good-today.

The futon will now double as her bed at night. She’s got everything she needs to cook in her kitchen.

Attebery talked about how Do-Good-today has provided all the furniture and belongings for six apartments just like Tasha’s, all from community the donations that have been pouring in.

“This is a blessing. I just can’t stop saying it’s a miracle, really,” Tasha said, getting choked up. “These people, they just show so much love… and from the bottom of my heart I say, thank all of you.”

Attebery explained how in addition to furnishing apartments, items his family collects are also donated to local schools and several community organizations.

He hopes to keep the momentum going as he focuses on doing good, and giving people like Tasha, hope.

“We’re tickled to do it,” Gary said, adding, “We’re just trying to help out.”

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

A previous drug bust where authorities found Fentanyl....

Brianna Chavez

DEA says fentanyl seizure on track to surpass last year’s numbers

A troubling trend for law enforcement as the DEA says more fentanyl is making its way to Utah.

2 minutes ago

Tina Gomez was 27 when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis....

Emma Benson

‘It’s different every day’: Understanding multiple sclerosis and its prevalence in Utah

March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month, a chance to talk about this neurological condition which affects more than 30,000 Utahns.

11 minutes ago

Hope Hero Foundation Logo on key chain...

Karah Brackin

Utah’s Hope Hero Foundation is saving teen lives

Discover how The Hope Hero Foundation empowers teens and prevents suicide. Be the hero of your own story!

2 hours ago

Follow @KSL5TVLike us on Facebook...

Eliza Pace

Car fleeing from carjacking attempt rolls and bursts into flames on I-15

A car rolled and burst into flames on the ramp from 201 to Interstate 15  after fleeing from an attempted robbery, police said.

2 hours ago

Caroline Gleich wants to change what a senator should look like...

Bridger Beal-Cvetko, KSL.com

Caroline Gleich wants to change what people think a senator should ‘look’ like

"I don't look like a U.S. senator." It's a message professional ski mountaineer and Democratic Senate candidate Caroline Gleich has heard often enough as she began her first televised ad of the 2024 cycle by addressing it.

4 hours ago

Loren Richardson shoots video of him snowboarding when a Brighton man confronted him on Feb. 26. Th...

Pat Reavy, KSL.com

Brighton resident charged with threatening, pointing shotgun at snowboarder

A Brighton man was charged Thursday with aggravated assault and accused of pointing a shotgun at a backcountry skier who went on his property on Feb. 26.

6 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Women hold card for scanning key card to access Photocopier Security system concept...

Les Olson

Why Printer Security Should Be Top of Mind for Your Business

Connected printers have vulnerable endpoints that are an easy target for cyber thieves. Protect your business with these tips.

Modern chandelier hanging from a white slanted ceiling with windows in the backgruond...

Lighting Design

Light Up Your Home With These Top Lighting Trends for 2024

Check out the latest lighting design trends for 2024 and tips on how you can incorporate them into your home.

Technician woman fixing hardware of desktop computer. Close up....

PC Laptops

Tips for Hassle-Free Computer Repairs

Experiencing a glitch in your computer can be frustrating, but with these tips you can have your computer repaired without the stress.

Close up of finger on keyboard button with number 11 logo...

PC Laptops

7 Reasons Why You Should Upgrade Your Laptop to Windows 11

Explore the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 for a smoother, more secure, and feature-packed computing experience.

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

‘Do-Good-today’ group helps Ogden area’s unsheltered get fresh start